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Deals With Deities: A Beginner's Guide
Lesson Thirteen: People Can Surprise You

Lesson Thirteen: People Can Surprise You

"Miss Rowena, do you think Sherriff Stone will forgive you?" Myra asked as Addie slid another pin in her hair. Myra's wizened maid has steady hands as she finished styling her hair. I shrugged in response to the question, playing idly with one of the buttons on my burgundy gown.

Do you remember when I said I was usually the reason Stone lost his temper? Well, I think you see why now.

After Prince Oji, Stone, and Councilman Terris came out of the town hall, the meeting with the Elemancers had swiftly ended. I found out the female I had fought was named Renjin. From the look the others and Oji gave her, I gathered that she was the wild child of the Kenshi Tribe. In fact, the Prince seemed more prone to blame her for the altercation than me.

That opinion, however, did not spread to Stone, who gave me a look that would incinerate lesser people. After the Elemancers left, he had gestured inarticulately toward the road leading to the Sheriff's station. We had ridden to his office in a silence so thick, I was surprised any of us could breath in it.

What had followed was a very long, very humiliating, and very loud conversation with the heavy use of "disappointed", "unbelievable", "irresponsible" and "stupidity." I simply stood there and took it, because I knew Stone was right. Renjin may have begged for the fight, but I played right into her hands.

To put it bluntly, I fucked up. Royally.

Maybe the Fates had given me some luck after all, because it was damn fortunate that Renjin was the one Elemancer from that group they wouldn't have taken offense to me fighting. The only consolation was she was likely getting an equally brutal scolding.

What made matters worse was Myra. She had been oddly nice to me in the past few days. It was unnerving. Either she was thoroughly frightened of me after my loss of control, or she was simply excited for her approaching engagement party. I didn't know what it was, and I didn't particularly care. We talked very little over the past few days as we settled into a rhythm.

I trained several hours of the day, only breaking for meals, as Myra sat at the kitchen table with her journals and books. She had tried to be secretive at first, but seemed to realize that I didn't really care what she was studying.

She hadn't once made a quip about Stone yelling at me like a father to an unruly teenager. She even attempted to cook from time to time, but the results were decidedly unappetizing.

Zachariah visited a few times, taking time to spar with me and do shooting drills. Zachariah had always been an extremely good fighter. He won as many matches as I did, and we were both often left panting for air in pure exhaustion. I had to numb myself to the pain as this reminded me of another time, where he sparred both me and the beautiful auburn-haired bounty hunter I loved.

In the old days, he and Fayra basically tore each other apart repeatedly, depending on my healing remedies. We trained until our limbs were ready to fall off, and then trained some more.

In the past few days, I had caught Zahariah looking at me with that penetrating gaze of his as we took breaks for meals. I knew he was remembering those golden happy times too. But now, we trained to survive instead of for fun.

All the while, I kept a steady watch for the shape-shifter, but he never came. That was what me worried the most. That darkness inside me built and built in intensity with each passing hour.

And then, the day for the engagement party arrived.

I continued to fiddle with a button as I replied to Myra.

"I think he will. He's been angrier with me before and still forgiven me," I said evenly. Myra's lips quirked at that, her eyes twinkling.

"You know what? I actually believe that," she said contemplatively. Addie smiled, her wrinkled face amused. She stood to her full height and surveyed us both, her hands on her hips.

"Vell, if I didn't know, better, I vould say you vere a pair of angels," she said, her expression turning wry.

"If I didn't know better," she repeated. She always became more expressive when the Matron wasn't around, and we both loved her for it. Despite my dark mood over the past few days, I felt my face soften.

"Thank you, Addie," I said, rising from my chair. Myra laughed and did a twirl, the fiery tones of her hair catching the light attractively. She was in her white lace and burgundy gown again, her hair pinned and curls cascading down her back in glistening waves. She held herself a bit rigid with the tight corset, but it seemed like nothing would dampen her spirits today. Addie had mercifully not made me wear mine, and kept quiet as I armed my pistols in the slits of the dress I had made before. She had even altered the dress so they were more hidden.

"What do you think Miss Rowena?" Myra asked, doing one more spin as if she were dancing on the ballroom floor. A thousand quips came to my lips, but they died there. Myra looked so happy, and I took a moment to remember that my brother was marrying this woman.

Even though I wished my father to spend eternity in the hottest hells, I still loved my brother. He had a way of making the best of things. He had spent the better part of his childhood playing peace keeper between my father and I. He had stood beside me on my wedding day in place of my father, and supported my happiness with Fayra. Now, he had found a woman who loved him, and he to her.

Whatever reservations I had about Myra, I knew she would make a good wife for him.

"You look beautiful," I found myself saying softly. Surprise flickered across Myra's face, before she narrowed her eyes at me.

"No clever comment? You disappoint me, Miss Rowena. I thought you were supposed to keep my ego in check," she said flatly, holding herself to her full height and looking at me through hooded eyes. I lifted a brow at her.

"I thought I was supposed to be polite for today, or else you mother would have my jaw wired shut," I said dryly. Myra hesitated before nodding gravely.

"True, but starting tomorrow I expect us to go back to normal. Things just aren't as exciting without us loathing each other," she said, looking at Addie significantly. Addie nodded and went to the corner of the room, where several packages laid. Wedding presents, I assumed. Addie picked up a broad flat box as well as a smaller but thicker one and carried them over. I blinked in surprise as she handed them to me.

"However," Myra said, gesturing to the boxes, "In the spirit of being nice to one another, I bought you some presents."

I glanced down at the boxes, and then back to Myra.

"When? And Why?" I asked incredulously. I had watched Myra's every move for the past few days. There was no way she had slipped away to go shopping.

"I bribed Zachariah to take a message to Addie so she could order them," she explained, and Addie nodded, her face expectant. I glanced down at the boxes again and then back up at Myra, who sighed.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"You know, they work best when you empty the boxes," she said in a conspiratorial whisper. I smirked as she mirrored my own words from when we drank wine together. That night felt like a lifetime ago instead of a few days.

Not sure what to expect, I opened the flat box. The first thing I saw was folded black leather, but my jaw dropped when I lifted it.

It was a duster coat made with a black leather than matched my raven hair. Dark violet silk lined the inside, making it butter soft. I lifted it fully out of the box, and it unfolded to my mid-thigh, exactly the length I liked. Also, the material was light and moved easily as I turned it. I knew it would allow me to move without restriction in a fight. Myra had put some real thought in picking this out.

I looked at her, and opened my mouth to give my thanks, but I couldn't find the proper words. Myra gave me a self-satisfied lift of her shoulder.

"Yes, I know. It's amazing. You don't have to say anything. It took some doing, though. Addie said she had to bully the tailor to make sure it got done sometime before the next millennium," she said with the air of an artist who just finished an immaculate portrait. She gestured to the other box.

"Speaking of which, go on. Open the second one."

Setting the beautiful coat down, I reached to the thicker box. I was surprised to find another more ornate box inside this one. It was light and circular, made with a hinge and brass clasps. The main body of it was black leather covering a thin and light wood. I opened it, and stifled a gasp.

It was a hat almost exactly like Fayra's.

Minus the burn hole.

The style was the same, but it was black like my new coat. Turning it upside down, I saw the inside was also lined with the same violet silk. I couldn't keep the small shake out of my hands as I placed it on my head.

It fit perfectly.

Myra laughed triumphantly, making me look at her just in time to see her hug and press a kiss to Addie's cheek, saying several endearments to the old woman.

"Myra...this...I--" I began, but Myra cut me off.

"I told you. You need a new hat. And since you refuse to buy one for yourself, I decided to. Just...try not to ruin this one," she drawled dismissively.

"You didn't have to," I said quietly. Myra shrugged, looking away. Addie stepped forward then, her eyes on Myra.

"Miss MyraBelle..." she said, in a tone that suggested Myra was holding something back. She cut a glance at Addie, before sighing again.

"Okay fine. I just thought I should thank you for...well...saving my soul from being ripped apart the other night. I was thinking, and realized that maybe I haven't been the most grateful."

She trailed off, looking away. I saw it now, the discomfort. Myra had been right, it was strange being nice to one another. Neither of us knew what to do with the new notion of growing respect for one another. I slowly pulled my hat off, careful not to ruin Addie's work on my hair, and set it back in it's box. I folded the duster coat, again marveling at the fine material, and set it on top. Finally, I leveled a sardonic glance at Myra.

"What else can I expect from a spoiled heiress?"

Myra's only reply was a slow smile.

*******

Lord Beaufoutonte and the Matron wandered the ballroom, making final preparations for the party. Levi, my father, and Dash Eastmark had finally arrived. They all stood to the side, making idle conversation. Levi beamed at Myra, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. Dash leaned forward, making a quip that caused them all, even my father, to laugh. I stayed away, wanting to avoid all contact with my father where it was possible.

I marveled as every surfaced was polished, every napkin was folded, and the chandelier was lit to cast an attractive glow in the dining room and dance floor. A string quartet warmed up in the corner, and beautiful music filled the space.

I smiled as I saw a familiar face behind the main bar area.

Zachariah was in a tailored suit of black, with a matching black undershirt and vest. He had a charcoal gray cravat tied around his neck, and his shaggy red hair was brushed and tied back neatly. He was busy polishing glasses and displaying the various liquors, wine, and beer he had brought to serve for the party. He reached under the bar and produced a glass of my favorite bourbon as I approached, his eyes never looking up. I pulled out a coin and slid it toward him, but he slid it back.

"On the house," he said quietly, finally looking up.

"Myra said you helped her in getting my new coat and hat," I said, leaning on the bar.

He shrugged, some color coming to his cheeks, as he polished yet another glass.

"Come on, out with it. What did she bribe you with?"

The cloth he was using slowed its cleaning as he hesitated.

"She promised to talk to me less."

I couldn't help it. I barked out an unladylike laugh that made the maids glance at me amidst their cleaning. Zachariah slitted his eyes at me, unamused.

"Gods, Zacharaiah. I know why things were tense between she and I, but what did she do to you to make you avoid her so much?" I asked through chuckles, my eyes watering as the bourbon burned down my windpipe.

A shrug.

"Nothing. She just talks too much. It's a lot of work."

"Oh good. Are we starting early this evening?" came a Burland accent close by. Dash Eastmark came toward us, eyeing the glass in my hand. His large bulk surprised me every time I saw him. If I didn't know better, I could have sworn he had some Behemoth blood in him. A man so large didn't seem to belong in a finely tailored suit with a burgundy vest and tie. His honey-blonde hair was cut shirt in a Burlish style today.

Wordlessly, Zachariah poured him a drink, which he immediately drained.

"Thank you, sir," Dash said as he set his glass back on the bar, "How fares the Swooning Sparrow?"

Zachariah blinked in surprise at the man, clearly not expecting such a high-class gentleman to remember the place.

"Very well," Zachariah replied evenly, pouring him a refill and topping my glass off. Dash swirled his glass, green eyes watching the amber liquid within.

"I visited it on my first trip here, and I much say it is a fine establishment," he said politely. Zachariah stared at him with penetrating eyes.

"I think that's an overstatement," he said quietly, though amusement shone in his eyes. Dash took a sip on his second drink, before a slow smile spread over his lips.

"Ah. Allow me to correct myself. I won't say it's a five-star restaurant, however it is a a pleasant place for quality drink and food as well as a...relaxed atmosphere. My compliments to you sir. You know your audience."

Zachariah nodded to the nobleman, who then turned to me. He indicated where Levi and Myra were standing.

"They make a handsome couple, don't they?" he asked. I looked at them, and saw Levi inclining his head toward Myra as she told some sort of story. They both laughed, joined by Lord Beafoutonte, who beamed at them both.

I made to reply before I heard the Matron's raised voice.

"What do you mean zhey are not 'ere? Zhe guests are arriving soon," she asked sharply, her eyes narrowed at Edmund, the head butler. His skin was a stark red against his black suit with small gray horns growing from his skull. He kept his leathery wings tucked in behind him. I never thought an Incubus could look so refined until I saw Edmund. He gazed at the Matron impassively, clearly used to her ire. Lord Beaufoutonte placed a hand on his wife' shoulder soothingly. I knew they were likely talking about the hired waiting staff for the party.

"Peace, my love," he said calmly. She turned her gaze on him, sparks flying in the air between them. Edmund cleared his throat, raising a clawed hand toward a serving table table. A piece of paper with hastily written scrawl levitated into it, which he then handed to the Matron with a bow of his head.

"A messenger has assured me they will arrive in plenty of time, My Lady."

After reading the note quickly, the Matron glared first at her husband, and then at Edmund for a moment longer, before walking away with a ruthlessly straight spine.

"Inform me once zhey arrive, if you please," she called over her shoulder as she disappeared into the kitchen. The Lord winced slightly, and leaned close to Edmund.

"Do not inform her once they arrive if you value the function of your ears. Inform me instead," he said so quietly, I barely caught it.

"I see the evening is off to an auspicious start," Dash said dryly, folding a hand behind his back as the other held his drink.

I looked back at Zachariah, who's eyes were locked on where she had disappeared, his expression unreadable. Shaking my head, I lifted my glass in a toast to him.

"Well, here's a fun evening," I said dryly. The corner of his mouth lifted, and he clinked my glass with one of his own, though it was filled with water.

"Here's to hoping," he replied, and Dash mirrored the motion.

Together we drank, not entirely unaware of the hell that would soon begin.